By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
ERA Nymburk made a statement in the first leg of their Basketball Champions League Play-Ins series, controlling the game on the road against MLP Academics Heidelberg. The visitors showed composure and resilience to maintain control throughout the contest.
The game ended 72–63 in favor of Nymburk, giving them a valuable margin heading into the return leg at home.
Sir’Jabari Rice led the winners with 17 points, while Vojtěch Hruban added 13 points and four rebounds, and Ondřej Senhál contributed 11 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
For Heidelberg, DJ Horne topped the scoring with 16 points and five rebounds, followed by Ryan Mikesell with 15 points, while Marcel Kessen added 13 points.
Nymburk opened the match with a 10–0 run, but Heidelberg responded with an 8–0 streak to close the gap. By halftime, the visitors led 37–29, before Heidelberg started the third quarter with a 9–0 run to briefly take the lead. Nymburk countered with an 11–0 run to finish the third period ahead 53–43 and extended the lead to 56–43 at the start of the fourth.
Heidelberg fought to reduce the deficit in the final quarter, but could not get closer than seven points. Nymburk stayed in front and held on to secure the 72–63 victory, taking a strong first step toward advancing in the BCL Play-Ins.